Cloud Catastrophe: How Exposed .env Files Turned Into a Hacker’s Jackpot
Unit 42 researchers uncovered an extortion campaign exploiting exposed .env files to compromise multiple organizations. Using cloud misconfigurations, attackers scanned over 230 million targets, stealing sensitive data without encrypting it first. Remember, folks: if your .env files are exposed, your secrets aren’t safe.
Hot Take:
Looks like some hackers got a bit too comfortable in the cloud and decided to extort organizations by rummaging through exposed .env files. It’s the digital equivalent of leaving your diary open on a park bench and then getting a ransom note for all your secrets!
Key Points:
- Hackers exploited exposed .env files to compromise cloud services.
- Campaign targeted 110,000 domains and found over 90,000 unique variables.
- Attackers used Tor, VPNs, and VPS for their operations.
- Misconfigurations by victim organizations were the primary cause of exposure.
- Palo Alto Networks offers products to better protect against such threats.
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